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Lewis W. GUlSeHGL. 



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In Exohango 
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25 Jl 190' 




THE NUMERAL SIGNS IN THE PALENQUE TABLETS. 

By Lewis W. Gunckel. 

It is enigmatical to estimate how great an epoch of time must 
elapse before the researches of diligent students will make us as 
familiar with the graphic system of the ancient Mayas, as we are 
with the early hieroglyphic system of Egypt, and the cuneiform 
inscriptions of Assyria. Unfortunately we have no key like the 
"Rosetta" stone to aid us in these studies, and what little we 
are to learn, must be deduced from their ancient inscriptions, 
manuscripts, traditions and mythologies. Curious hieroglyphs 
are found on the monuments, tablets and statues from Yucatan, 
Tabasco, Chiapas, Western Honduras and a few other neighbor- 
ing localities, including all of Central America inhabited previous 
to, or during the time of the Conquest, by tribes of the Mayan 
linguistic stock. As far back as 1830 some French students or- 
ganized the Societc Americame de France so as to investigate with 
greater success, these crumbling palaces, unique inscriptions, and 
strange manuscripts; and even now annual congresses are still 
held, to discuss and investigate these matters. At the present 
time there are a number of extremely valuable and interesting 
collections of photographs, tracings, casts, original sculptures, 
tablets, idols and miscellaneous smaller antiquities in many of 
the large museums in Boston, Washington, New York, London, 
Paris, and the City of Mexico, which cannot fail to excite a lively 
interest in the study of these subjects, and encourage researches 
and investigations, as to the signification of the strange hiero- 
glyphs which are so numerous on the sculptur<?s. One eminent 
authority has called attention to the large number of inscriptions 
preserved upon the temples, altars and pillars of Yucatan, and 
looks forward with great confidence to see them deciphered be- 
fore many years, adding that the only serious difificulty which 
obstructed tiie student in his investigations, was the want ot 
knowledge of the ancient Maya language.^ Dr. Chas Rau had a 

(1) "The Ancient Phonetic Alphabet of Yucatan, ' by D. G. Brinton, M. D., New York, 
1870, p. 7. 
CD The Palenque Tablet," by Dr. Chas Rau. Washington, D. C, 1S79, pp. 59-eO. 



less encouraging view on this subject, and said that he could not 
be expected to express any hope concerning the decipherment of 
the Palenquean glyphs by the means at present at our command. 
He did not believe that Landa's key would suffice, and considered 
that the prospects were rather gloomy for a future solution of 
the difficulty, unless we could be aided by new discoveries which 
would prove an efficient help for rbtaining that most desirable 
result.'^ In this he held the same view as Brasseur de Bourbourg 
who also had been looking forward to some future discovery ot 
an ancient manuscript or inscription which would aid us in these 
difficult investigations. While this should not defer us from in- 
vestigations at the present time, the chances for some future dis- 
covery tending towards this end, are exceedingly bright, when we 
take into consideration the vast expanse of unexplored jungles in 
this region. We learn from Mr. Mercer, through his invaluable 
investigationis n the caves of Yucatan, that no earlier inhabitants 
had preceded the builders of the ruined cities in Yucatan; that 
the people revealed by the caves had reached the country in geo- 
logically recent times ; and that these people, substantially the an- 
cestors of the present Maya Indians, had not developed their 
culture in Yucatan, but had brought it with them from some 
where else.^ P'rom where did they come? How long ago did 
ihey come? And where did they develope their culture, their 
architecture, their graphic system ? These questions alone have 
caused some of our students and explorers to adopt the most wild 
and imaginative theories, inviting censure to theii real investiga- 
tions, as well as their erratic and unjustifiable theories. The un- 
explored wilderness south of Lake Chickankanab in Central Yuca- 
tan may perhaps have in store for us, many new temples, palaces, 
inscriptions and .sculptures far surpassing any now known 
to us. This wonderful region has yielded its surprising ruins 
very slowly and by gradual degrees, for we have been continual- 
ly obstructed by the seemingly endless forest matted with dead 
leaves. Heat and thirst greatly impede the investigations in this 
country; the stony soil thwarts the excavator; the insects make 
life burdensome to all. Berendt's Map of Yucatan, as we 1 arn 
from Mr. Mercer, is dotted thick with signs of ruins, and one 
can hardly drive five miles over the eastern roads without seeing 
a crumbling mound of stones, exposing the walls of a vault. 

The archaeologist naturally searches for traces of the gradual 
development of their graphic system. He would expect to find 
the more primitive forms of picture writing, pictographs and rude 
rock sculptures, showing the gradual transition stages between 
the first rude attempts and the intricate and complicated glyphs 
so common at Palenque and Copan. It is surprising that we have 
so few records of discoveries of this kind. It is a strong link in 



(1) " The HiU Caves of Yucatan," by Henry C . Mercer, Philadelphia, 1896, p. 177. 










\t'Ciithcm>ooc( rfel. 



//■;/..y^.^Vi////i»ii/ iS- Co.,Sc. £iij/Mj. 

PLATE I IIIEROr,LYl>HICS ON THE TABLET OF THE CROSS. 



the chain of evidence pointing out the fact that the Mayas must 
have developed their culture elsewhere. Had they developed 
their graphic system in Yucatan, does it not seem a just conclu- 
sion that we should find innumerable exr\mples of their first rude 
attempts and gradual improvement in this form of pictography, 
until their final system was adopted ? Possibly later discoveries 
will bring these disputed points to light; and it may be that the 
earlier explorers considered these rude rock sculptures of no im- 
portance. Mr. Mercer found rude rock carvings in the cave at 
Actun Ceh, which reminded him of the work of the North Amer- 
ican Indians, also some in the cavern of Loltum which resembled 
symbols rather than pictures. Three of these consisted of rect- 
angular lines drawn across cartouche-like enclosures ; and one 
was a rudely cut stala.^mite suggesting a human face.' 

A fact which is at once apparent to the student after some in- 
vestigation is that the graphic elements found in the mural 
inscriptions differ considerably from those which w^ find on the 
manuscripts. Dr. Brinton^ considers that there is a primitive 
identity of elements which is demonstrable in them all, and that 
they differ only to that extent which we might expect from the 
variation ot th^ material, or the period, and in the skill or fancy 
of the artist. At a first glance at the sculptured tablet or a manu- 
script we are surprised at the great number, and seemingly end- 
less variety of glyphs, yet the simple elements are not so 
numerous as we would im.igine. Very probably the reason why 
we imagine that the varieties are so numerous, is that they are 
mostly composite in formation, and are made up of a number of 
radicals variously arranged which at first glance confuse us It 
is the same principle as with our nine numerals and zero, with 
which we form s ) many varieties in numbers; or with our alpha- 
bet, with which we form so many words ot various meanings. 
Although some of the glyphs appear extrememly complicated, 
on closer examination, it can be seen that this is caused by cer- 
tain fi"equently occurring parts or forms which are oftentimes 
found in various different positions and relations. Added to this 
we must take into consideration that there are many variants 
to each regular glyph form or simple character, differing 
from them, to a more or less extent, dependent on the 
skill or care of ancient sculptors, — not to mention the differences 
caused by the various materials used for these records. It is the 
opinion of Dr. SelerS and also of Dr. Brinton* that if we were 
without doubt, aware of the signification of a hundred or so of 
these simple elements, that these mysterious inscriptions could 
conceal no longer, the general meaning ot their contents. 



(1) " The Hill Caves of Yucatan," by Henry C. Mercer, Philadelphia, 1896, p. 103. 

(2) "A Primer of Mayan Hieroglyphics," by D. G. Brinton, p. 10. 

(3) Verhand Berliner Anthrop, Gesell, 1887, s. 231, by Dr. Seler. 

(4) "A Primer of Mayan Hieroglyphics," by Dr. D. (i. Brinton, p. 10. 



It is extremely unfortunate that so many of the drawings of 
the inscriptions cannot be relied upon for accuracy, and that 
many of the photographs show such dim outlines of the various 
characters, and were taken in such poor light, thai they can give 
us but little practical aid, in the comparison and interpretation of 
the glyphs. Many of the significant characteristics of the various 
designs, are of such delicate and intricate form that, — on tablets 
and inscriptions which are partly defaced, or worn, by erosion, 
and are afterwards carelessly drawn or photographed by the ex- 
plorer, it is oftentimes impossible for the student to make out the 
necessary contours and designs with their prefixes, suffixes, 
superfixes and postfixes, not to mention the intricate interior 
designing. Mural inscriptions of great interest have been found 
at Chichen Itza and especially at Palenque. They are also found 
on the Stelae and monuments at Copan and Quirigua, Tikal and 
many other points. Mr. Saville was of the opinion that the in- 
habitants of Copan, Honduras, were more literary in character 
than even those of Palenque, as there have been found there 
twenty-four Stelae, all of which have inscriptions, besides altars, 
slabs, and hieroglyphic steps in large numbers. He adds further 
that pottery vessels and potsherds have been found bearing 
glvphs either painted or engraved, and that the potsherds have 
been found in such quantities as to show that thousands of their 
vessels had hieroglyphic inscriptions on them.' The inscriptions 
at Palenque, which are so admirably shown in Mr. Catherwood's 
drawings, are perhaps the best adapted for purposes of study, 
owing to their wonderful state of preservation, and unusual neat- 
ness and regularity of the characters. We learn from the earlier 
researches in the manuscripts and codices that the numeral five 
was represented by one bar, (See Fig. g) ; the numeral ten by two 
bars, (See Fig. m); and the numeral fifteen by three bars, (See 
Fig. s). The intermediate numbers were represented by dots ; 
one dot for one, (See Fig. a) ; two for two, (See Fig. c) ; three 
for three, (See Fig. e); and four for four, (See Plate II ). A bar 
and a dot for six, (See Fig. i) ; two bars and a dot for eleven, (See 
Fig.-o) ; three bars and a dot for sixteen, (See Fig. u) ; and so on 
up to nineteen. This system of numerals seems to run only to 
the nilrmber nineteen, and the number twenty is formed in another 
way. 

In the mural inscriptions, the numerals are formed in the same 
way as in the manuscripts, with some important exceptions, 
namely that the one dot of the numerals is almost invariably ac- 
companied on each side by an ornamental sign in the form of a 
loop, (Sec Fig b). Thus the numeral signs containing one dot, 
such as the numeral one, (See Fig. b) ; six, (See Fig. h); eleven, 
(See Fig. n) ; and sixteen, (See Fig. t); are almost always found 

(1) " A Comparative Study of the Graven Glyphs of Copan and Quirigua," by Marshal 
H. Savillo, in "Journal of .\nierican Folk Lore," July-September, 1894. 



in this form. The other forms of numerals are regular, but the 
two dots tor the numeral two, are also generally orna- 
mented in the same way, (See Fig. d) ; four by four dots, (See 
Fig. f ) ; five by one bar, (See Fig. g) , six by a bar and one dot, 
with looped or ornamental frame work, (See Fig. h); and so on. 
up to nineteen. Some exceptions occur, however, which we will 
mention later. This frame work or ornamentation of the numeral 
signs for one, two, six, eleven and sixteen, was first suggested by 
Thomas^ and later by Seler'^ who studied it on the glyphs 



o o 



o. o 




O 

o 



o 
o 
o 
o 



o 



n 



o 





o 











o 



o 













o 






o 


o 

















o 









c 



c 













Plate II 

from Copan. In order to satisfy myself on this point, I have 
made a careful search on the five Palenque tablets, and obtained 
the following results, which leave no doubt upon the matter. It 
necessitated a detailed study of the inscriptions, but is of especial 
interest on this point. I have counted over the various mural 



(1) "A study of the Manuscript Troano," by Cyrus Thomas, p. 202, Washington, D. C' 

1882. 

(2) " Is the Maya Hieroglyphic Writing Phonetic," by Dr. Seler, p. 6, "Science," Vol. 
XXI, No, 515, Jan. 6, 1893. 



9 

inscriptions, noting carefully the various points, which I think, 
have been productive of valuable results. It is necessarily a slow 
and tedious process, yet the results seem to be a fair recompense. 
It is of value to know : ist — The total number of occurrences 
of the various ornamented numsral signs. 2nd — The number 
and the percentage of the whole number of glyphs having numeral 
signs as prefixes. 3rd- The number and the percentage of the 
whole number of glyphs having numeral signs as superfixes. 
4th — The number and the percentage of the whole number of 
glyphs representing deities. 5th — The total number of glyphs 
on the inscriptions. 6th — The percentage of the whole number 
of glyphs representing day signs. 7th — The percentage of the 
whole number of glyphs representing month signs. 8th — The 
total number of occurrences of the various classified glyphs. 

The Tablet of the Cross^ at Palenque has a total of 233 
glyphs and contains 222 glyphs which are nearly perfect, and 1 1 
which are defaced. Of these 53 are deities. 96 glyphs have 
numeral signs at the left side as prefixes and 19 have them on 
top as superfixes, 13 of which are superfixes to Cheiin, and 6 to 
miscellaneous glyphs. There are 36 month signs and 34 day 
signs. 

We find in this tablet the following ornamented and regu- 
lar numeral prefixes. 

Ornamented. Unornamented. 

The numeral one 11 o 

" '' two 12 o 

" ■' six 7 I 

" '■ eleven 3 i 

" '' sixteen 2 o 

Total 35 2 

We then have thirty-five ornamented forms for these numeral 
signs with two exceptions. We find the following ornamented 
and regular numeral superfifxes. 

Ornamented. Unornampnled. 

The numeral one 2 o 

" " two o o 

SIX I o 

'* eleven i o 

" " sixteen o o 

Total 4 o 

Thus we have four ornamented forms for these numerals 
with no exceptions. 

Tablet of the Outer Corridor of No. /, Casas de Piedra, 
Palcnqiie, Right Hand Side Tablet in Stephen's " Incidents of 
Travel in Central America," Vol. II, facing p. 242. This ( like 
that of the left hand side tablet ) is twelve rows deep and twenty 

(1) In referring to thi.s "Tablet of the Cross", I moan the tablets on each side of tho 
"Cross," shown in Plate I, and thegrcmps surronndiuii tho central figures. 



lO 

rows wide of glyphs, making a total of 240 glyphs. Of these 34 rep- 
resent deities, and the balance 206 are of other glyph forms ^ "]() 
of the glyphs have numeral signs at the left side as prefixes, and 
30 have them on top as superfixes, of which 4 are Chiicn and 2 
Ahaii. 

In this tablet we find the following numeral signs as prefixes: 

Ornamented. Unornamented. 

The numeral one 6 o 

" " two I o 

'' '' six I o 

'• '' eleven 2. o 

" " sixteen i o 

Total II o 

Thus we have eleven ornamented prefixes, and none unor- 
namented for these five numerals. In this tablet we find the fol- 
lowing numeral superfixes: 

Ornamented. Unornamented. 

The numeral one 2 o 

'' " two o o 

" " six o 3 

" " eleven i o 

" '' sixteen o o 

Total 3 3 

Thus we have three numeral prefixes ornamented and three 
exceptions for the numeral six. 

The Tablet on the Back Wall of Altar, Casa, No. 3, Palenque, 
presented in the frontispiece of Stephen's " Incidents of Travel 
in Central America," Vol. II, is also of great interest. It con- 
tains 144 glyphs of which 41 are of deities and the balance, 103. 
of other glyph forms. This contains 47 glyphs having numeral 
signs at the left side of the glyphs as prefixes, and 10 having 
numeral signs at the top as superfixes. In this tablet we find the 
following numeral prefixes : 

Ornamented. Unornamented. 

The numeral one 2 o 

' ' " two I I 

■' " six I o 

" '' eleven 2 o 

" " sixteen i o 

Total 7 I 



_ (1) I have made two classified lists, or catalogues, of all the other glyph forms occuring 
in the mural inscriptions, dividing them into deities and miscellaneous glyph forms. The 
deities, I classify as God "A" ; God " B ", etc., and miscellaneous glyph forms as Glyph 
Form "A" ; Form '" B ", etc. Interesting results and valuable analogies, have been ob- 
tained, which I hope to present in an article in the near future. For instance, in the 
Tablet of the " Pross " we learn that the following occur so many times each. Counting 
in those above mentioned, we find also 19 miscellaneous glyphs of deities occurring once 
each, 9 of " God A" ; 3 of " God B " ; 3 of " God O " ; 2 of •' God W " ; 2 of " God CX ", and 
5 defaced glyyhs of deities . There are 20 miscellaneous classified glyphs of one occurance 
each ; 19 of glyph " Form A" : 17 of glyph " Form C " ; and 6 of glyph " Form D " ; and 
52 unclassified glyphs, making a grand total of 233 glyphs. 



II 

Thus we have a total of seven ornamented, with only one 
exception. The ornamented superfixes for the numeral two oc- 
curs twice and no other forms for these numerals occur as super- 
fixes. 

The Tablet of the Outer Corridor of No, i, Casus de Piedra' in 
Stephen's " Incidents of Travel in Central America," Vol. II, 
facincr p. -542, No. 2. One half of this tablet is unfortunately en- 
tirely defaced, leaving only the squares entirely worn off or de- 
faced where the regular rows of glyphs once were. This tablet 
contained originally 240 glyphs, of which over 120 are now 
defaced. Of those remaining 26 are deities and 94 are of other 
glyph forms, 38 glyphs have numeral signs at the left side as pre- 
fixes, and 6 have them on top as superfixes. In this tablet we 
find the following numerals used as prefixes: 

Ornamented. Unornamented. 

The numeral one 4 o 

" ' • two ; I o 

" '' six I o 

Total 7^ 7o 

No forms for these numerals are lound in this tablet used as 
superfixes 

TJie Tablet of the Inner Wall of Casa, No. /, Palengne, is pre- 
sented in Stephen's " Incidents of Travel in Central America," 
in Vol. II, facing p. 343. This tablet contains 140 glyphs, of 
which 40 represent deities, and 100 are of other glyphs ; while 
22 glyphs have numeral signs as prefixes, and only three have 
them on top as superfixes, of which one is Chueii. 

We find the following numeral signs used as prefixes : 

Ornamented. Unornamented. 

The nnmeral one 17 o 

" " two o o 

" ' ' six .0 o 

" " eleven o o 

' ' " seventeen o o 

Total Try T~o 

Thus we have a total of seven ornamented numeral signs with 
not one exception. No others occur such as the numerals one, 
two, six, eleven and sixteen and no superfixes for these forms are 
found. 

The total of representations of glyphs in the five Palenquean 
tablets give interesting results for aid in this study. We will first 
take the ornamented numeral prefixes. The total number of oc- 
currances of the ornamented numeral prefixes are as follows; 

Ornamented. I'nornamented . 

The numeral one 40 o 

" " two 15 I 

" " six 13 I 

" " eleven 6 2 

'' " sixteen 3 o 

Total 77 7~4 



12 

Thus in the five Palenquean tablets we have seventy-seven or- 
namented numeral forms for the numerals one, two, six, eleven, 
and sixteen, used as prefixes, with only four exceptions. Next 
we will take the numeral signs used as superfixes on the top of 
the glyphs. We give the list below :; 

Ornamented. Unormamented. 

The numeral one 4 2 

" " two o 2 

" " six 3 I 

" '' eleven 4 o 

" " sixteen o o 



Total II 



3 



The number 16 is not found at all. In the five tablets we have 
a total of eleven ornamented forms for the numerals one, two, 
six, eleven, and sixteen used as superfixes, with only three ex- 
ceptions. The percentage of the whole numeral of perfect glyphs 
having number prefixes is 31 7-8 per cent; of those having nu- 
meral superfixes is 7 6-8 per cent; and of those representing 
deities is 22 1-5 per cent. A noticeable feature in most all of 
the manuscripts and mural inscriptions is the fact that they con- 
tain a great number of signs for numerals. It is obvious that 
these records consist mainly of one thing, Counting, and it is 
not improbable to suppose, when we take into consideration the 
great number of day and month signs which are found through- 
out these inscriptions, that they served in some way, as time counts, 
or some sort of almanacs. 

The total results are as follows : 

Total number of glyphs in the five tablets. looi 

Defaced and worn glyphs 135 

Nearly perfect glyphs 875 

Representations of deities 194 

Glyphs with numeral prefixes 279 

Glyphs with numeral superfixes 68 

Glyphs with ornamented numeral prefixes 77 

Exceptions to the above 4 

G'yphs with ornamented numeral superfixes 11 

Exceptions to the above 3 

The numeral sixteen could not be found used as a superfix. 

The highest numeral found as a superfix was thirteen.' Of 
the eleven glyphs having numeral superfixes found in the Palen- 
quean mural inscriptions nine were of Chiien, which is the most 
common glyph having double sets of numerals. 

(1) Two higher numerals taineteen and fourteen) are found in the Tablet on the Outer 
Corridor of No. 1, Casa de Piedra, Palenque, Right Hand Side, Plate III, but they are 
not used with the dayor month glyphs, and are of no importance in this connection. 



AN ANALYSIS OF THE DAY SIGNS IN THE PAL- 
ENQUEN INSCRIPTIONS. 

By Lewis Winters Gunckel. 

In a former article in this magazine we described the 
occurrences and variations of the numeral prefixes and super- 
fixes, which occur so frequently in the katunes or cartouches 
of the mural inscriptions of the Mayas. A close examina- 
tion of these graven texts will show that the numerals are 
generally afifixed to the signs or glyphs for the various days 
of the Maya calendar. As Prof. Valentini justly says: "The 
numerals are their conspicuous monitors, and the symbols 
affixed to them invite to the certain belief that we stand 
in the presence of a day's date."* This indefatigable stu- 
dent has expressed his opinion in his valuable researches, 
that the written symbols are plainly nothing else than tach- 
ygraphs, which show on their faces, the traces of abbreviated, 
degenerated images, t which suggest the pre-existence of 
a prototype ; and that these prototypes can be detected in 
the sculptures and that they then represent the image of a 
distinct object, which can be demonstrated to be of some 
ritual nature. He further claims that the method of record- 
ing both on paper and stone was not alphabetic, syllabic or 
intermixed but object and picture writing. How unfortu- 
nate it is that the students of this subject differ so radically 
on such a primary, important point. Dr. Seler,^ Dr. 
Forstemann,^ and Dr. Schellhas^ hold that the Mayan 
hieroglyphs are mainly or wholly ideographic ; while the 
Abbe Brasseur, * de Charencey,^ de Rosny,® Prof. Cyrus 
Thomas,' Dr. Le Plongeon,* Dr. Cresson^ and others, con- 

(*) "Analysis of the Pictorial Texts Inscribed on Two Palenque Tablets," by Pbillip 
J. J. Valentini, pub. by the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass., 1^95, Part 
I, p. .5. 

(t) Ibid. p. 5. 

(1) The articles of Dr. Seler and also of Dr. Schellhas can bo found in the various 
numbers of the Berlin Zeitscheift fur Ethnologie 1886-1896. 

(2) Dr. Forstemanu ZuR Entzifferung der Maya hand-Schriften, Parts I, II, III 
and IV. 

(3) Same as in note t. 

(i) Abbe Brasseur in Introduction to the Codex Troano, Dublished by the French goT- 
ernment, 1869. 

(5) De Charencoy, in his Recherches sue de Codex Troano, Paris, 1876 

(6) Leon de Rosney his in EssAi suR i.e Dechiffrement de L'eceiture Hieratiqce 
DE L'AMERigtTE Centrale, foHo, Paris. 1876. 

(7; Prof. Cyrus Thomas in his article in the American Antheopologist for July, 1893 
Washington, D. C. ; also Am. Ant^'n. 

(8) Dr. Le Plongeons' "Alphabet" may be found in the supplement to the Scientific 
American, N. Y., January, 1895, and in his "Sacred Mysteries Among the Mayas and 
Quiches." 

(9) Dr. Cresson's article is in " Science," N. Y., Aug. 19, 1892. 



,f< 



sider them to a great extent phonetic. An intermediate 
position has been upheld by Dr. Brinton'" who believes that 
while they are chiefly ideographic, they are also occasion- 
ally phonetic, in the same manner as in the Aztec picture 
writings. 

Bishop Landa's signs for the twenty days which occur so 
frequently in the ancient Mayas Codices are supposed by 
many students to have been reproduced in /ac simile on the 
graven texts of the mural inscriptions, and many writers 
have pointed out certain resemblances of the day signs in 
the codices to those on the sculptures, such as Ijiiix, Cluien, 
Ezanab, etc. Prof. Valentini has pursued this investigation 
further than any predecessor, and the results obtained are of 
inestimable value to the student. We fully believe that 
every additional point of evidence in this abstruse and com- 
plicated study will be of value to the future investigator ; 
and there is little doubt, but that the ultimate results of 
untiring and long continued analysis of these glyph forms, 
will culminate in a broader and more comprehensive under- 
standing of these hitherto mysterious hieroglyphic inscrip- 
tions. Many students are of the opinion that the signs for 
the days are oftentimes to be looked upon as rebuses, and 
that they do not tell us the name given the day. When 
used in this way they believe that they are merely the pict- 
ure of some familiar visible object, whose name is somewhat 
similar to the name of the day, and which recalls it to the 
mind. Therefore it is essential to discriminate between 
those used in their calendar significance, and those used as 
rebuses. The glyphs of the various days occur quite fre- 
quently on the tablets, monuments and mural inscriptions ; 
so often in fact, as to make one infer that they must be chro- 
nological or calendar records of some kind. Some day signs 
occur many times in each inscription, while others are found 
very seldom, and in an abbreviated or changed form. They 
are almost always accompanied by numeral prefixes, com- 
posed of bars and dots at the left side of each glyph. Some 
also have numeral superfixes, and others have both forms of 
numerals attached to the same glyphs ; or in other words, 
have a double set of numerals, as with Chiien and sometimes 
A hail. 

It has been the subject of much discussion as to the exact 
meaning of these double sets of numerals, and the proper in- 
terpretation of them, is yet to be demonstrated. Prof. 
Thomas was of the opinion, that, when the character or sym- 

(10) D. G. Brinton, " Primer of Mayan Hieroglj'phics," pub. by the Univ. of Penna. 
1896, p. 13. 



bol of a day has numeral prefixes at the side onl}-, that these 
denote the number of the day, as they never exceed thirteen. 
The numerals on the top of the characters in the mural in- 
scriptions, he believed corresponded with the red numerals 
in the manuscript. Where the character is the symbol of a 
day, and has numerals, both at the side and also on top ; 
those at the side he considered as referring to the number of 
the month, as they never exceed eighteen. ^ 

Prof. Valentini explains the numeral superfixes on the car- 
touches, as copal balls of various ingredients ; and tablets 
("tablillas") perscribed by the ancient priests, which were in- 
tended to be cast into the brazier, as described by Landa on 
pages 148 and 250. One fact is certain, that the same st)-le 
of ornamentation b}- loops on each side of the numeral one, 
two, six, or eleven, is found, with a few exceptions, both in 
the prefi.ves and superfixes on the graven texts. Therefore, 
if the same rules for general arrangement of ornamentation 
of the bars and dots, is used for the superfixes, does it not 
follow that there is in consequence, a certain relationship and 
affinity to those used as prefixes ; and if the latter are numeral 
signs, the former also must have some numeral significance.' 

Most of these researches have been confined to the Palenque 
Tablet of the Cross, but we propose to continue them 
through a wider field, taking for the present, the five Palen- 
quean tablets. For convenience in collecting the glyphs, we 
will use the method adopted by Chas. Rau, and afterward 
used by Prof. Valentini, for locating the characters in each 
tablet. For instance in Tablet I, we have the central picture, 
containing the sacred tree of life, which is surrounded by 
figures, cartouches, and decorative forms ; and on each side, 
the lateral tablets, which are each divided into six vertical 
columns, and these columns into seventeen transversal rows, 
forming a regular series of cartouches, with the exception of 
the initial glyph which occupies the space of four of the regular 
size, and the row of double characters immediately under- 
neath it. Suppose we letter and number each tablet, lettering 
the top of each column of glyphs, beginning at upper left- 
hand corner, A, B, C, etc.; and then numbering down the 
transversal rows at the left side, starting at the upper left- 
hand corner, with i, 2, 3, and so on, to 17, for each row of 
glyphs. Hence the glyph C 3 would be the third character 
down the C column; and the glyph F 5 the fifth character 
down the F column. This same method I have used in study- 
ing all the mural inscriptions, and when referring to a glyph 

(1) "A Study of tlio Manuscript Troano," by Cyrus Thomas. Washington. D. C, 18S2 
pp. 202-3. 



A B C D E 



G H 




TABLET II, CASA NO. 3. 



5 

such as D 4, Tablet I, I would mean the fourth character 
down the D column on the "Tablet of the Cross" at Palenque. 
For convenience and to save time, I have numbered the 
various Palenquean mural inscriptions as follows : 

Tablet I— The Palenque "Tablet of the Cross."* 

Tablet II— The "Tablet of the Inner Wall of Casa." No. 
3 frontispiece to Vol. II, in John L. Stephen's "Incidents of 
Travel in Central America," etc. N. Y. 1855. 

Tablet III — Outer Corridor of No. i, Casas de Piedra, 
Palenque. Right hand side Tablet No. Ill, facing page 342, 
Vol. II, Stephen's "Incidents," etc. 

Tablet IV— Tablet on Inner Wall of Casas No. i. Vol. II 
Stephen's "Incidents," etc., facing page 345. 

Tablet V — Outer Corridor of No. i, Casas de Piedra, 
Palenque. Left hand side No. II, facing page 342, Vol. II 
Stephen's "Incidents," etc. f 

For the purpose of showing the resemblance and affinities 
of the written symbols in the Mayan codices to those figured 
on the sculptured inscriptions, I have prepared two diagrams 
(see Plate I and II) in which are placed some two or three 
forms from the codices, followed by a few examples of each 
corresponding day sign taken from the graven texts. 

I. The sign for Kan can be readily distinguished in the 
graven texts, although it does not occur with great frequency. 

It is found four times in Tablet I, in T 8, U 17, X 10, and T 2; once in 
Tablet II, in E 1; three times in Tablet III, in Q 3 D 8, and B 7; once in 
Tablet IV, in A 7; and twice in Tablet V, in E 11, and G 4; with a total num- 
ber of occurrences in the five tablets of eleven times. It is almost invariably- 
accompanied by numerals as prefixes, but in none of the day signs except 
Chuen and sometimes Ahau, do we find the numeral superfixes. 

The following diversified interpretations are given for the 
sign Kan. Dr. Seler thinks that it represents an eye; Dr. 
Shellhas a grain of maize; and Brasseur a tooth. Prof. Cyrus 
Thomas believed that it was used not only to denote bread, 
{tortillas,) but that in the pictorial portion of the codices, it 
was also frequently given to represent corn, (maize.) ^ Prof. 
Valentini says that the word. Kan\n Mayan, has among other 
meanings "that oi yellow and under given circumstances, that 
of the yellow ripened maize. It is only in this condition that 

(*) For plates showing tlie whole inscription, including the two tablets, one on each 
side of the central figures, see plate presented in "The Palenque Tablet," by Clias. Kau ; 
or the plate in "A Study of the Manuscript Troano," by Cyrus Thomas, p. "^Ol. Prof. \ al- 
entini also presents an adniirahle plate as frontispiece to his "Analysis of the Pictorial 
Text Inscribed on TwoPalcnciuc Tablets," Part I. Worcester. Mass., I^IW. 

tTablet Iwill be found in our Vol. XIX, No. 1, Jan. '97 ; Tablet II in No. 2. March; and 
Tablets III, IV and V in following Nos. Tlie reader will be curious to know whether any 
heads or faces of tlio gods or any syndKils of tlie elements or the points of the compass 
can be found in tlie glyplis on tiie tal)lets, outside of the central pictographs.— Ed. 

(1) "A Study of the Alauuscript Troaua," by Cyrus Thomas, Washington, D. C, 18S2,p. 
156. 



the kernel represented in the picture, is available for prepar- 
ing the tortilla. The part stands for the whole. The kernel 
at its top shows heart and rim with which it is fastened in 
the cob; the furrows or folds, as signs of the hardening of the 
kernel, are indicated by the downward running strokes." * 
Dr. Berendt identified it as as a polished stone, shell pendant 
or bead; and Dr. Brinton accepts this interpretation, holding 
that it was their circulating medium, and stands for money, 
and all that the word conveys — food, prosperity, abundance; 
and that the dot, or eye, in the upper portion, is the perfora- 
tion by which it was strung on a cord.^ 

In Plate I, Figs. 1, 2 and 3, are taken from the Codices ; Fig. 4 is found 
in T. 8, Tablet I: Fig 5, in U 17, Tablet I ; Fig. 6, in X 10, Tablet I ; and 
Fig. 7 is found in Tablet III, in D, 8. These are all remarkable resem- 
blances, and are depicted in the inscriptions with much regularity and 
neatness. 

2. Chiccan. This sign does not occur often in the mural 
inscriptions, but wherever it is found it contains the wavy 
lines for the interior designs. We find none in Tablet I ; 
one in Tablet II, in K 3 ; three in Tablet III, in F 1 1 ; T 
10; and T 12 ; once in Tablet IV, in E 9 ; and twice in 
Tablet V, in K 9 and K 12, making a total for the five 
Palenque tablets of seven times. We differ from Prof. Val- 
entini on this point. He assigns the glyph which we inter- 
pret as Caiiac , for this sign CJiiccan. Perhaps we are both 
wrong, for the opportunities for comparison are but few, 
and the resemblances are far from what should be desired. 

In Plate I, Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are taken from the codices ; and 
the remaining four are from mural inscriptions. It will be readily noticed 
that the latter have not the slightest resemblance to the Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 
12, but that they resemble to a great extent the variant Fig. 13, in the wavy 
lines across the centre. Fig. 14 is found in Tablet IV, in E 9 ; Fig. 15 in 
Tablet V, in K 9 ; and Fig. 16 in Tablet III, in F 11. 

3. Civii. This sign we can only find once in Tablet I, 
and while it does not exactly correspond with Landa's sign 
the resemblance is very close, and a diligent search of all 
the tablets failed to bring any better result, or any further 
occurrences for Cimi. 

The sign in the center of the variant in Plate I, Fig. 19, cannot be 
found in the mural inscriptions. Figs. 17, 18 and 19 in Plate III are taken 
from the codices. Fig. 20, the only one occurring in the graven inscriptions, 
is found in S 4, in Tablet I. 

4. Manik. This sign was first interpreted by Brasseur as 
a hand in the act of grasping. The sign appears in the 

(2) "Analysis of the Pictorial Text Inscribed on Two Palenque Tablets," by Philip J. 
J. "Valentini, published by the Ainerican Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass., 1895, 
Parti, p. 18. 

(3) "A Primer of Mayan Hieroglyghics," by D. G. Brinton, published by the University 
of Pennsylvania, 1896, p. 110. 









6^ 



^03 M^'y] 

^^ Wfe) (5^;^;^) ciuij(?©^ o: 
3*7 (cO (cl ^1 ^3 6V 








c? 











^■•? ov 



0,r 7<; 77 ^^ 'i'^ ^"- 1 

•plate I. 





17 













*1? 





r 

.g> c?. 




13, 






/e '*» ao a// aa/ 




lor 




8. 





<2.i'" 2 6 




27 




Plate IT. 



graven texts in the form of a variant, and although the sym- 
bol of the hand occurs frequently in the tablets, we cannot 
associate them with this sign. 

The variants are of the style shown in Plate 1, Figs. 26 to 32. It is 
found four times in Tablet I, in A 13, B 13, C 4, U 5 ; five times in Tablet 
II, B 12, A 10, B 16, O 13, I 3 ; and five times in Tablets IV, in D 6, A 7, A 
8 C 10 and I io ; but does not occur in Tablets III and V. Fig. 25 in Plate 
III is taken from the codices ; Fig. 26 is A 10, Tablet II ; Fig. 27 is A 13, Tab- 
let I ; Fig. 28 is C 4, Tablet I ; Fig. 29 is B 12, in Tablet II ; Fig 30 is B 13, 
in Tablet I ; Figs. 31 and 32 are M 14, and I 3, in Tablet II. 

The signs for Manik in the inscriptions, can be readily 
distinguished by their peculiar design. 

5. Lamat. The sign for this month somewhat resembles 
a few of the Kin signs, and show the sun partly below the 
line or horizon. These signs are found in the graven texts, 
greatly resembling those of the codices, as reference to Plate 
I, Figs. 33 to 39 will show. 

Lamat is found once in Tablet I, in S 10; three times in Tablet III, in 
H 6, H 10, and E 6; but cannot be found in the other three tablets. 

'We present the various forms of Lamat, taken from the codices in 
Plate III, Figs. 33, 34, 35 and 36. Fig. 37 is from Tablet III, in H 6; Fig. 38 
is S 10, in Tablet 1 ; and Fig. 39 is H 10, in Tablet III. 

6. Muluc. This sign occurs in the five Palenque tablets 
twenty-two times, not including some doubtful ones. 

It is found in Tablet I three times, E 17, U 10, and N 1 ; in Tablet II 
three times, C 9, B 15, F 1 ; in Tablet III seven times, C 1, H 1, R 1, E 5, 
E 3, O 4, Q 2 ; in Tablet IV four times, in C 2, E 3, K 3, and L 9, and in 
Tablet V five times, in H 1. G 8, G 9, C 10 and D 1. In Plate 1, Figs. 41, 42 
and 43 are taken from the codices. Fig. 44 is found in O 1, in Tablet I ; 
Fig. 45 is found in E 3, Tablet III ; Fig. 46 in C 10, Tablet V ; Fig 47 is 
found in B 1, in the small Copan Tablet described by Stephens. ^ 

7. Oi. Brasseur, and later, Seler, considered this sign to 
portray the ears of a dog, as the word Oc stand for dog in 
some of the Maya dialects. This word also means a "trail," 
or "foot prints," of which the sign bears some resemblance. 

The sign for Oc is found in the various tablets as follows: In Tablet I, 
four times, in G 1, R 14, S 2 (?), U 12; once in Tablet II, in M7; once in Tab- 
let III, in K 11; but it does not occur in the other tablets. In Plate I, Figs. 
49, .50, and 51 are taken from the codices; Fig. 52 is found in S 14, in Tablet 
I; Fig. 53 in G 1, Fig. 54 in M 7, Tablet II; Fig. 55 in A 1, in small Copan 
Tablet, described by Stephens; Fig. 56 is found in the inscription on a Tab- 
let from Tonina, Chiapas. 

8. Chucn. This sign is supposed to represent a mouth. 
Dr. Valentini thinks that Chucn, as it shows the rounded 
form, and is posted on three feet, represents an earthen ves- 
sel, and judging from the three thorns which are represented 



(1) " Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatan," by John L. Ste- 
phens, Vol. II, p. 454. 



lO 

on its surface, he believes it is the vessel in which the thorns 
with which the penitents had drawn blood from tneir bodies, 
were preserved, which thorns, on a later occasion, were 
solemnly burnt by the priest designated to this ritual function. 
Piles of CJiiien are found in the codices as offerings (Cod. 
Dres., pp. 26, 42; Cod. Cort., p. 3) to which Dr. Brinton 
suggests the meaning of first fruits. Variants of Chiien occur 
more frequently on the mural inscriptions than any other day 
sign. The above authority believes that they generally 
stand for C/uin, which means "the foundation, the beginning, 
the first, the cause," and he holds that in many inscriptions 
the position of CJiiien is antithetic to the Pax, the one indi- 
cating the beginning, and the other the end, of a series. 
This glyph is one of the most important ones in the mural 
inscriptions, both on account of its constant occurrence, and 
also on account of the peculiar arrangement of numeral dots 
and bars, used both as prefixes and superfixes; both of which 
are invariably found on the same glyph, rendering the inter- 
pretation difficult. After examining carefully thirty-five 
Chuen glyphs in the various mural inscriptions, we do not 
find one instance where the prefix and superfix numeral signs 
do not occur. Two glyphs, somewhat resembling Chuen are 
found in the Tablet of the Cross, on the left side, which are 
both joined to the heads of deities, or rather have the heads 
as prefixes. In these two instances only, the Chuen glyphs 
have no numeral signs whatever. The numeral signs at the 
left used as prefix seem to run from the ornamented numeral 
one, ornamented two, regular three, four, five; ornamented 
six; regular seven, eight, nine, ten; ornamented eleven; 
regular twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen; ornamented six- 
teen, and regular seventeen, eighteen and nineteen. With 
the extra set of numeral signs as superfixes, the highest 
numeral sign found on a Chnen glyph was thirteen. Inter- 
mediate numeral superfixes are found commonly having 
ornamented forms for one, two, six, and eleven, and the regu- 
lar forms for the other numerals up as high as thirteen. This 
glyph occurs frequently in the inscriptions, some of which 
are as follows: * 

Tablet I, B 6, D 1, D 5, D 13, etc.; iu Tablet II, in C 7, A 13, N 14, and 
M 16; in Tablet III, in P 2. E 7, G 12, etc.; in Tablet IV, in D 5, M 7; and in 
Tablet V, in G 11, K 9, and E 9. In Plate I, Pigs. 57 and 58 are taken from 
codices; Fig. 59 is C 7 in Tablet II: Fig. 60 is E 10, Tablet I; Fig. 61 in D 1, 
Tablet 1; Fig. 62 is E 5, Tablet I; Fig. 63 is W 1, Tablet I; and Fig. 64 is 
taken from the inscription on a tablet from Tonina, Chiapas. ^ The total 
number of occurrences in the five tablets is thirty-six as follows: Tablet I» 

(1) Figured by Dr. D. G. Brinton in his "Primer of Mayan Hieroglyphics," published 
by University of Pennsylvania, p. 139. 



1 1 



nineteen times; Tablet II, four; Tablet III, eight; Tablet IV, twice; and in 
Tablet V, three times. 

9. Eb. This sign represents the face of an old man, with 
a peculiar mark on the ear ; sometimes sharply pointed, and 
sometimes semi-circular and surrounded by dots. The glyph 
D 8, Tablet IV, resembles this sign more closely than any 
other which we have found. 

In Plate 1, Figs. 65 to 67 are taken from the codices. Fig. 68 is taken 
from an inscription on a monolith at Quirigua, figured by Mr. A. P. Mauds- 
lev The glyph for the day Eh is a very uncommon one on these inscrip- 
tSns and we are unable to find even one instance on the five Palenquean 
tablets. 

10 Ben. We differ from Prof. Valentini in his choice for 
the c^lyph for this day. He calls the month sign Pax, the 
day ''sign Ben. He says that "that there are many grave 
reasons why the notation of months as well as the appear- 
ance of any qualified symbol for a month on these tablets, 
as well as in the codices, must be denied."^" We cannot, 
however, reconcile ourselves to assign this value to the Pax 
sign when we have the veritable Ben sign before us in con- 
spicuous positions in the tablets. 

Moreover some of the month signs certainly do occur in 
the mural inscriptions and codices, and have frequently been 
pointed out by Dr. Chas. Rau ;^ Prof. Cyrus Thomas Dr. 
Brinton,^ M. H. SaviUe,'' Dr. E. F6rstemann, and others. 
Lack of space will prevent us from going into this subject in 
detail now, which, however, we hope to bring forth to 
greater advantage at some future date. The sign for Ben is 
often found in composite form; or associated with other 
glyph accessories ; and is often found in conjunction with 
the "wind cross sign." Brasseur believed that this sign rep- 
resented the showing of a path, while Dr. Seler thought that 
it represented a mat, or a straw roof. Dr. Brinton says that 
it represents a wooden bridge, the two supports of which are 
shown, and which was sometimes covered with a straw mat. 

It is found four times in Tablet I, in R 1, R 15, D 10, and R 10; t\vo 
doubtful forms are found in Tablet II, in E 1, and M 1; and one is found in 



(*) "An Analysis of tho Pictorial Text Inscnbeaon Two Palenquo Tablets," by PhU- 

^'^l') '^TSR"[onli,ro Taiiot." by Clms. Ran, Smithsonian Institntion, 18T9 P m. 
I2) "AStudy of the Mannscript Troano," by Cyrns Thomas, N\ ashingtou, D. C, 1882, 

^•(sf '"'A Primer of Mayan Hieroglyphs," by D. G, R""*^"- .^ vr^-ris' VW uh"^ ^^"°''" 
Series in Phil. Lit. an.l Arch.. Vol. ill. No. 2 See pa^es 13b. 1-VvV,!^;.; L hv Marshall 
(4) "A Comparative Study of the Craven (ilyphs o ( opan «» ^i"'''7";^-.^l;;^[,f';f J.' 
H. Saville, in Journal of .Vmorican Folk Lore, . uly-September, 1^0L J" t;^".^^' ' l*'^ ^ 
Saville pays particular attention to an analysis of the various Pax si«nb found in tUo 

TrEK,!ASS;;^OEN ^UR MAVA HAXD SCHRIKT DEK KONTpLICHEN;^ OfFEKTHICHEN 

BiBLiOTHEK zu DRESDEN, by Dr. E. Forstemann, Dresden, 18^b, page^ J-l_. 



12 

Tablet III, in B 10; four are found in Tablet IV, in E 9, G 10, G 8, and G 9; 
and five in Tablet V, in H 5, D 8, M 8, H 12, and K U. 

In Plate 1, Figs. 73 and 74 are taken from codices ; Fig. 75 is found in 
G 10, Tablet IV ; Fig. 77 is T 9, Tablet I ; Fig. 78 is E 15, Tablet I ; Fig. 
79 is R 10, Tablet I; Fig. 80 is M 8, in Tablet IV. 

This combination of the Ben and Ik signs as a superfix 
reminds one forcibly ef the monogram for Kin ieh, "The 
Sun God", on which it is usually used as a superfix to Kin, 
the sign for the sun, with the altar postfix. This Ben-ik 
superfix is found frequently both in the codices and inscrip- 
tions. 

11. Ix. This sign almost always contains a number of 
black dots. It, however, does not occur often in the inscrip- 
tions. The glyph having the greatest resemblance to the 
ones found in the codices, occurs in the Inscription of ^^^«/z, 
Central Yucatan. It also occurs once in B ii, in Copan 
statue facing page 158, No. 2, in Vol. I, Stephen's "Incidents 
of Travel," etc. 

It is also found once in Tablet I, in Q 1; three times in Tablet II, in D 1, 
D 3, and O 9; but is not found in the other two tablets. 

In Plate II, Figs-1, 2, 3, and 4, are taken from the codices; Fig. 5 is D 3, 
Tablet II; Fig. 6 is D 1, Tablet II; Fig. 7 is O 9, Tablet III; Fig. 8 is taken 
from the inscription of Kabah, in Central Yucatan. 

12. Men. Evidently the head of an aged person, whom 
both Seler and Brasseur believe to be Mother Earth. Some- 
times it is changed into a worm-like shape in the codices. 

In Plate II, Figs. 9, 10, and 11, are taken from the codices; Fig. 12 is the 
only instance we can find on the mural inscriptions, and is found in Tablet 
II, in N 12; Fig. 13 is figured by Maudsley, and somewhat resembles it. 

13. Cib. The inside spiral in this sign is believed by both 
Brasseur and Seler to represent the fermented liquor. Ci 
trickling down. Dr. Brinton thinks that the "pottery dec- 
oration" certainly indicates a jar or vase, which gives strength 
to this identification. 

In Plate II, Figs, 17 to 21, are examples from the codices; Fig. 22 is the 
only one found on the mural inscriptions and occurs in G 7, Tablet IV. 

14. Caba7i. This sign contains the figure of the "cork- 
screw curl" which was worn by the women, and stands for 
cab. We have no record of finding this glyph in any of the 
tablets. 

15. Ezanab. This sign is the representation of the sacri- 
ficial knife of flint, which also closely corresponds with the 
name. This day sign occurs quite frequently on the mural 
inscriptions as follows: 

Tablet I, in M 1, U 7; in Tablet II it does not occur; in Tablet III, in 
D 1, D 7, H 11, G 6, and L 11; in Tablet V, in G 9; also in No. 2, top figure, 



13 

and No, 2, lower figure, of the glyphs on the front of colossal has reliefs on 
east side of principal court of Palace at Palenque. 

The forms of Ezanab shown in Plate II, Figs. 39 and 40 are 
found frequently at Copan. It occurs conspicuously on the 
Hieroglyphic Stairway near the pedestal at the base, on the 
western side of mound 26, Copan, Honduras. The forms 
shown in Figs. 37 and 38, Plate II, are found more frequently 
at Palenque, and appear in a prominent part of the inscrip- 
tion on the colossal bas reliefs in stone at that place. 

In Plate II, Figs. 33 and 34 are of Ezanab, taken from the codices; Fig 
35 is found in U 7, in Tablet I; and Fig. 36 occurs in the same tablet, in M l; 
Fig. 37 is D I, Tablet III; Fig. 38 is H 11, Tablet III: Figs. .39 and 40 are 
variants, and occur often in some localities. This variant can be found twice 
on the inscription on the Tablet from Tonina. Chiapas, and at other points. 

16. Cauac. Opinion seems to differ very considerably re- 
garding the interpretation of this sign. Dr. Seler thinks that 
it contains the hairy mouth of the Moan bird and Dr. Brinton 
was of the opinion that it represents aside face with pendant 
clouds for the eye, and the "windcross" sign for the ear. In 
direct contrast to these views. Prof. Cyrus Thomas believes 
it to be the "sign for wood" and Rosny thought it to be the 
plan of a building. Prof. Valentini believes that it has refer- 
ence to honey, claiming that all Maya words beginning with 
the syllable Cab always have this meaning. He recognizes 
in the sculptured cartouche C 8, and also in C 16, in Tablet I, 
the image of a honey comb graven on the centre of a shield, 
above which, for closer definition, the body of a bee is placed. 
The resemblance is very noticeable in the illustration of the 
tablet presented with this article, but on referring to Cather- 
wood's drawings as presented in Dr. Chas. Rau's work, the 
two above mentioned glyphs, seem to have a very different 
form ; leaving us in doubt as to which form is correct. The 
sign which the other students call "pendant clouds,' he holds 
is the sign for the honey comb. In the inscription from 
Kabah, in Central Yucatan, the Caiiac day sign appears once 
in a form resembling to a great extent, those signs found so 
frequently in the manuscripts. It has the "windcross" sign 
for the ear, and the pendant clouds for the eye. The mouth 
sign, however, lacks the dots, as in the hairy mouth of the 
Moan bird. (See Fig. 48, Plate II.) We find on this day 
sign in the tablets the regular numeral prefixes, but no super- 
fixes. 

In Plate II, Figs. 41 to 44, are forms of Cuikic taken from the codices, 
Fig. 45 is found in B 3, Tablet I; Fig. 46, in F 6, Tablet I; Fig. 47, in X 14; 
Tablet I; Fig. 48 is taken from the inscription of Kabah, from Central Yu- 
catan. 

The day sign Cauac is found in the inscriptions as follows; 



14 

Four times in Tablet I, in B 2, C 5, F 6, U 2; in Tablet II once, in C 16; 
twice in Tablet III, in J 2, and J 1] ; and once in Tablet V, in I 6. It does 
not occur in Tablet IV. This makes a total of eight times. The sign for 
Canac sometimes occurs in the inscriptions in groups or piles forming one 
cartouche, just as we find piles of Idux in the codices, used as offerings. 

17. Ahau. Always represented by the drawing of a full 
face. The word Ahau in Maya, means old man chief. This 
sign occurs frequently in the mural inscriptions, and generally 
has numeral prefixes, both of ornamental and regular forms 
This day sign, together with the sign for Chucn, are the only 
day signs we have found having a double set of numerals. 
This occurs more frequently on CJiucn than on Ahmc. Only 
two instances are found in the Palenquean series, where 
Ahau has numeral superfixes. Once where it has the nu- 
meral eight, and the other time the numeral thirteen, above 
the day sign. We find the day sign AJiau in the various 
inscriptions as follows: 

In Tablet I five times, in A 16, D 3, B 8, T 17, and U 10; in Tablet II 
five times, in N 2, M 2, M 5, G 2, K 2; in Tablet III five times, in Q 6, E 8, 
G 9, L 8, and C 11; in Tablet IV, five times, in M 1, G 1, A 2, L 4, and I 6; 
and in Tablet V once, in H 10. It also is found twice on the t>mall Copan 
tablet described by Stephens, and is found frequently on all the inscriptions 
of that neighborhood. The sign for the day Ahau occurs often in a com- 
pound form, as in A 8, B 8, in Tablet I; in Tablet II, in J 2, K2; in Tablet 
IV, in A 6, B 6; and we find it again in B 1, and in L 2, on the inscription at 
Chicken-Itza, (as figured by Stephens,) and it is also found sometimes in the 
graven texts, reversed or upside down in the center of the sign for Iviix, 
making a pecular combination, of which we can at this time offer no explan- 
ation. This form is found almost always in the neighborhood of Copan. 

In Plate II, Figs. 49 to 52 are forms of Ahau, taken from the codices. 
Fig. 53 is A 16, Tablet I ; Fig. 55 is T 17, Tablet I ; Figs. 55 and 56 are from 
the small Copan tablet described by Stephens, in B 3 and D 6. 

18. hnix. Many students consider this sign as a repre- 
sentation of the mammary gland, but Dr. Brinton claims 
that it is not like those shown in the codices, and that it is 
typical of prosperity, and is often attached to the ir«;zsign; 
and when in the calendar, it indicated the beginning of a 
time period. In the mural inscriptions it is found frequently, 
and in some cases, as at Copan, it contains a small AJiau 
sign, placed upside down, in the center of Katitm. This 
was first pointed out by Mr. M. H. Saville, and since then 
we have found several other instances of this peculiar com- 
bination, the exact meaning of which is difificult to deter- 
mine. (See Fig. 61, Plate II). The following occurences 
of Imix are noted in the tablets. 

In Tablet I, three times, in E 2, D 6, X 5; in Tablet II, twice, in L 10, 
N 5; in Tablet III it does not occur; in Tablet IV, once, in K 1; in Tablet V, 
once, in A 8. 

In our Plate II, Figs. 57 and 58, are forms of Imix taken from the cod- 
ices ; Fig. 59 is X 5, Tablet I ; Fig. 60 is G 8, Tablet V ; Fig. 62, which con- 
tains the inverted Ahau sign, is from Copan, Honduras. Fig. 61 is E 2, 
Tablet 1 ; Figs. 63 and 64 are taken from inscriptions on the stelas at Copan. 



15 

IQ Ik According to Dr. Brinton, the sign for this 
month is a katun inclosing the sign of the four directions or 
four winds, the "windcross." This is a good interpretation, 
for the word itself means air, wind, breath, life, etc. There 
is also a very distinct coroboration of this interpr tation 
found in the general form for this day sign in the graven 
texts. 

For we find in the inscriptions, inside of the katun, the "windcross" 
sign, shown on Plate IL Figs. 65, 66 and 67, replaced by the r(/^. shaped 
siln as seen in Plate I, Figs. 68 to 71. It is thus shaped m the primitive 
form of the cross, by which the ancient Mayas represented the directions 
of the four winds. 

Brasseur thought that this sign represented a flower, as it 

is sometimes shown with forms resembling leaves, emerging 

from it in the codices, which he supposed would indicate the 

spirit of life coming forth. 

We present the day sign Ifc in Plate II. Figures 65, 66 and 67 are forms 
taken from the codices. The four following ones are found in Tablet I as 
follows- F 12, E 1, C 9 and E 9. It is found once m Tablet II, in H I ; 
and once in Tablet III, in G 7, but is not found in the other two tablets. 

20. Akbal. Both Brasseur and Seler thought that this 
sign represents a mouth. Other authorities have suggested 
that it represents the rays of the sun after sinking below 
the horizon, claiming that the name Akbal resembles Akab, 
meaning night, and that the glyph itself generally has that 
significance, night or darkness. It occurs very seldom 
indeed in the mural inscriptions, as we can only find one 
instance, in Tablet II, in p. 6. It shows a slight variation 
from the tachygraphs of the codices, but the general inte- 
rior designing can easily be recognized. 

To recapitulate the results obtained we will close by 
adding a diagram, showing the totals obtained: 



J UN 13 1907 

i6 



TOTAL REPRESENTATION OF DAY SIGNS IN THE FIVE PA- 
LENQUE TABLETS. 

Tablet No I. II. III. IV. V. Total 

1. Kan 4 i 3 i 2 11 

2. Chiccan o i 3 i 2 7 

3. Cimi I o o o o i 

4. Manik 4 5 o 5 o 14 

5. Lamat 10300 4 

6. Muluc 3 3 7 4 5 22 

7. Oc 4 I I o o 6 

8. Chuen 19 4 8 2 3 36 

9. Eb o o o I o I 

10. Ben 4 2 I 4 5 16 

11. Ix I 3 o o o 4 

12. Men o I o o o i 

13. Cib o o o I o I 

14. Caban 00000 o 

15. Ezanab 20501 8 

16. Cabac 4 I 2 o I 8 

17. Ahau 5 5 5 5 I 21 

18. Imix 3 2 o I I 7 

19. Ik 4 I I o o 6 

20. Akbal o I o o o i 

Totals 59 31 39 25 21 157 



EJl- '10 



LGW13 W. GUlMGIieL. 



Reprinted from the American Antiquarian^ Vol. XIX, iSg"]. 



